Kia Gets "Koup" Coupe, New Spectra Sedan--With New Name?

Kia is set to replace its Spectra sedan and hatchback next year--but the lineup and name will change when the new car bows in 2009.

This morning's Automotive News reports what Kia officials hinted at during this year's New York auto show: that the Koup concept shown above would eventually emerge as the brand's first coupe offering in the United States. The News reports that the coupe will effectively take the place of the Spectra five-door, which hasn't proven to be a strong seller. The coupe will join the Soul crossover as Kia tries to draw in younger buyers.

The Spectra name may go away along with the five-door body style. Kia will, however, still sell the hatchback in Europe under its cee'd nameplate. 2008 Kia Koup ConceptEnlarge PhotoKia is set to replace its Spectra sedan and hatchback next year--but the lineup and name will change when the new car bows in 2009. This morning's Automotive News reports what Kia officials hinted at during this year's New York auto show: that the Koup concept shown above would eventually emerge as the brand's first coupe offering in the United States. The News reports that the coupe will effectively take the place of the Spectra five-door, which hasn't proven to be a strong seller. The coupe will join the Soul crossover as Kia tries to draw in younger buyers. The Spectra name may go away along with the five-door body style. Kia will, however, still sell the hatchback in Europe under its cee'd nameplate.